Senior Public Relations & Marketing Communications Manager

Scope of Job:        

Be a force of positive energy to build AWESOME PR & Marketing Communications programs that get our fans excited about our Resort and wow media with compelling stories. In this role, you’ll create strategic communications plans and activations of PR tactics, as well as own and nurture positive relationships with media in key markets and segments. You’ll write and produce stellar print, broadcast, and digital stories. As a voice of the Resort, you’ll be a rock star spokesperson and lead key community initiatives and presentations.

The perfect candidate would be a Master Builder of buzz, PR powerhouse and a savvy wordsmith who gets excited about leading programs from the development of the idea or angle, all the way through the detailed activation of securing newsworthy placements. This buzz builder enjoys owning and crafting media events from ideation through execution while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure success one brick at a time.

At LEGOLAND Florida Resort, we're more than just a theme park – we're the ultimate bricktastic destination that's all about stacking up the fun. Kids are our role models. We speak to families with kiddos ages two to 12 and inspire them to build unforgettable family memories. The LEGOLAND Florida Resort (LLFR) currently includes LEGOLAND® Theme Park, LEGOLAND® Water, PEPPA PIG Theme Park and three onsite hotels: LEGOLAND® Hotel, LEGOLAND® Pirate Island Hotel and LEGOLAND® Beach Retreat. In 2024, this manager will dive in to lead the grand opening activities for LEGO Ferrari Build & Race and a new SEA LIFE aquarium.

Main Responsibilities:

• Pitch the media on LLFR attractions, events, and overall scope as the ultimate family vacation destination. Research and craft story ideas to write press releases, advisories, marketing copy and captions.
• Manage media markets by maintaining positive and productive relationships. Serve as contact for broadcast efforts including radio interviews, TV coverage, and live-on-location shoots in-park.
• Serve as spokesperson for proactive and crisis situations as a key point of contact with the media, community, and business entities in the event of incidents within the park, or incidents which involve LLFR or the LEGO group.
• Direct the strategy for marketing and internal communications to deliver an authentic and compelling brand voice through various storytelling tools and channels.
• Lead attraction grand openings and other media events onsite to drive publicity for the park while maintaining brand consistency and campaign success.
• Represent LLFR at meetings, in-studios appearances, shows, FAM tours, media blitzes and events to generate news coverage, awareness, and fondness for LLFR.
• Maintain active memberships and participation in PR, media, and tourism-related organizations and key partnerships. Interface with all local CVBs to keep informed of LLFR news and generate co-op PR efforts.
• Act as project management and marketing information resource. Schedule and conduct project meetings, facilitate assignments, establish activity budgets, and report project status. 
• Manage the Marketing Content Specialist, Internal Communications Specialist and other potential additional future roles, and their role within the department and ensure their success within the department.

Knowledge and Skills Required:

• Minimum of 7 years of PR, marketing, communications and/or content development experience required
• 2-3 years of experience within theme park destination or travel/tourism; or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred
• Excellent verbal, written and proofreading skills
• Ability to build and maintain effective business relationships
• Proficiency with MS Office programs, especially Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Prior PR experience working in a team environment
• Capable of multi-tasking, in a fast-paced, quickly changing environment and be extremely detail-oriented and resourceful
• Must be energetic, self-motivated, and demonstrate a strong personal desire to achieve results
• Prior customer-facing operational experience at a theme park a plus
• Preferred skills include fluency in Spanish both in written and spoken form

Education:

A bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, journalism, communication arts, advertising, business, marketing, or closely related field (or equivalent education and experience) is required.

Other Job Requirements:

• Must be willing to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to support park operations and events.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, safe driving record and be willing to utilize own vehicle for business purposes.
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid passport and relevant travel visas. Position may require travel domestically and internationally.
• Attendance, including onsite work at LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven, Florida, is a mandatory function of this job.

Compensation:

Starting at $80K based on skills and experience.

What You'll Get:

• Competitive salary.
• Free entry to LEGOLAND Florida Resort for you, family, and friends.
• 30% discount on LEGOLAND Florida Resort food, beverage, and retail products.
• Tuition assistance.
• Free unlimited usage of the local transit system.

About Merlin Entertainments:

LEGOLAND Florida Resort is part of Merlin Entertainments, a global leader in family entertainment. Operating over 100 attractions in 24 countries, Merlin is dedicated to delivering unique, memorable, and rewarding experiences to millions of visitors.

Everyone Matters at Merlin:

Join a workplace where everyone matters! At Merlin, we strive to create an inclusive and diverse environment, valuing individuals regardless of age, race, gender, disability, or sexual orientation. Our aim is to be the most inclusive and flexible employer in the industry.

Ready to Build Your Future with Us? Apply Now and Be a Part of the Magic at LEGOLAND Florida Resort! 

For additional information, contact our friendly team at NAPeopleHUB@merlinentertainments.biz. We can't wait to hear from you!